Curran Han is one of several competitors representing Texas this year. Han is entering his Junior year at Bellaire High School in Houston. Last year Han lead his high school team to victory in the 2014 Texas State High School Championship. He also won the 2014 Houston Open Scholastic tournament, and tied for second at the 2015 High School Nationals.

He earned his national master title last year, for his impressive performance in the 2014 Under-21 U.S. Junior Open. He was one of three players to share first place in the tournament and he demonstrated his ability to play well beyond his rating.

Han may be entering this year’s tournament as an underdog, but he is certainly not to be underestimated. His success against higher-rated opponents in the past proves that he is capable of his fair share of upsets.